Homeschooled students are an important part of the Southwest Baptist University student body. The resources below will help you and your family navigate the admissions process and transition from homeschooled student to college freshman. Plus, our highly qualified admissions counselors will be here to help you each step of the way!
SBU's Christ-centered, caring community is the optimal environment for you to find your God-given purpose and grow in your faith.
Transitioning From Homeschool to Higher Education
Watch this video for some tips and advice about how you and your family can take specific steps to prepare for the transition from homeschool to college.
Why choose SBU?
- More than 100 academic areas of study
- Small class sizes and personalized instruction
- Chapel services and small group Bible studies
- Domestic and global mission projects
- Integration of Christian faith and quality academics
- Generous scholarship and financial aid opportunities
"Coming to college was a huge transition. But SBU and the people here helped me develop
a community that made me feel at home."
Julieana Sherwood
Current nursing student
Admissions Process and Requirements for Homeschooled Students
1) Apply to SBU
Take the first step to becoming an SBU Bearcat by filling out our online application for admission. The application fee is currently waived, so apply now for FREE! to get started.
2) Send transcripts and test scores
Send your official homeschool transcript and ACT, SAT or CLT test scores to our Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
You can upload your transcripts and test scores by logging in to your application account.
Admissions Requirements
- 2.50+ cumulative homeschool GPA (on a 4.00 scale)
- 21+ ACT/1060+ SAT/68+ CLT composite score (SAT reading and math sections only)
SBU is test-optional for admission. However, submitting ACT, SAT or CLT test scores could potentially improve your academic scholarship eligibility. Please contact your admissions counselor if you have questions or concerns.
Curriculum Recommendations
To be equipped for collegiate success at SBU, the following high school subjects are recommended (13 units):
- English (4 units)
- Mathematics (3 units)
- Social Studies (2 units)
- Natural Science (2 units)
- Electives
- 2 units of foreign language, or
- 2 units of computer science, or
- 2 additional units from English, mathematics, social studies, or natural science
Homeschool Transcript Resources
Like all applicants for freshman admission to SBU, we will require a transcript of your completed work for ninth through twelfth grades. Your homeschool transcript can be submitted by a homeschool organization or your teaching parents.
Your homeschool transcript should include the following information:
- Student's full name and date of birth
- Course titles, grades received and credit earned for each semester
- Grading scale used
- Cumulative GPA
- Graduation date
Additionally, we have created a homeschool transcript template you may download and use.
Sample Homeschool Transcript (Excel)
3) Visit campus
If you haven't already visited SBU, schedule a campus visit soon! Visiting campus is the best way to learn how you can find your place at SBU.
During your visit to SBU, you can:
- Take a campus tour
- Meet with faculty members
- Interact with current students
- Discuss admissions and financial aid
- Sit in on a class or a Chapel service
- Eat a meal in our cafeteria
- And so much more!
4) File your FAFSA
Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify for state and federal grants, loans and work study financial aid opportunities. SBU will use your FAFSA results to put together your own personalized financial aid package and your admissions counselor will work with you through each step of this process.
The recommended deadline for filing the FAFSA is February 1 prior to your start term at SBU.
5) Submit your enrollment deposit
Are you ready to officially become an SBU Bearcat? Submit your enrollment deposit to reserve your spot in classes and housing!
Earning College Credit as a Homeschooled Student
You can get a head start on your college academics and enrich your homeschool experience by enrolling in an online dual credit course through SBU. Learn from our highly qualified faculty while working at your own pace through a flexible, online course delivery.
Challenge yourself academically, explore your academic interests, and earn college credit!
If you earn credit from courses taken through other colleges or universities, send an official college transcript to have those credits transferred to SBU.
You can also earn college credit through Advanced Placement (AP) and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests.
Our course transfer equivalency guide will help you learn how your credits will transfer.
Course Transfer Equivalency Guide